Open to produce regional films, says Dia Mirza

Mumbai: Actress-producer Dia Mirza says if given good scripts, she would love to back regional movies because for her the quality of a project matters more than the language it is made in.

Dia turned producer five years ago with romantic film “Love Breakups Zindagi” and though she is quite new as a filmmaker, she is open to venturing into different languages.

“As a producer, my main intention is to tell good stories and if we find some stories that are truly fascinating and we honestly believe in the idea, then language or state or territories are no barriers,” Dia told PTI.

Meanwhile, the 34-year-old “Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mei” star is excited about her upcoming maiden Indo-Iranian project, which she has produced and also starred in.

“Salaam Mumbai” features Iranian superstar Mohammad Reza Golzar opposite Dia. The actress said she is proud to have been a part of this film.

“It was fantastic being a part of this international project. Reza Golzar is already a superstar in Iran and is an absolutely enthralling individual to work with.

“He is humble, grounded and so talented! I have learned a lot from him and the entire Iranian crew. Their passion about the art and craft of storytelling is absolutely amazing! It is a matter of great pride to be featured in a first ever Indo-Iranian film,” she added.

Besides acting and producing, brand endorsement is what keeps Dia busy nowadays. The model-turned actress has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Suncros, a sunscreen product.

Recently, the Parliamentary panel on consumer affairs, in its recommendation on the Consumer Protection Bill-2015, has called for stringent provisions, including jail term up to five years and penalty of up to Rs 50 lakh if a celebrity endorsed product misfires.

Asked about it, Dia said, “I think it as unfair debate because as a citizen of this country, I believe any product that is made available to me as a consumer, whether it is on a grocery shelf, super market or the medical store has undergone the procedure set up by the Government to ensure our safety.”

The former Miss Asia Pacific feels as a consumer one believes it is the responsibility of the Government to keep a check on poor quality or sub-standard products.

“As a consumer, I would like to believe the government is taking care of that. Hence, it is unjust to hold the celebrity endorsing the product responsible as it is the government that needs to be held accountable first.